Hurricane Hare has delivered a four-minute warning to the welterweight elite.

Hare, pictured, wasted no time on his first WBF defence as he blew away South African Jan Bergman in his home-town of Huddersfield.

Bergman has been in with some of the best and is a recognised name in world boxing circles. But he spent more time on the deck than his feet as he wilted under the force of Hare's barrage.

The champion had his man down three times in just over a round, although the fight was effectively settled by one punch - the left hook that pinged Bergman's jaw for the first knockdown.

From that point on, Hare's opponent resembled Bambi on ice as his legs wobbled this way and that. When he wasn't being banged to the ground, Bergman was falling over himself as Hare treated him like a personal punchbag.

After two standing-eight counts, referee Howard Foster did the humane thing a minute into the second round and confirmed unbeaten Hare's 27th win and 14th inside the distance.

Hare said: "That left hook was perfect. I felt it twang and he never recovered - we knew he'd gone.

"Obviously I've been in tougher fights but I got rid of a good opponent. Some people were saying that perhaps he's shot but he could still punch.

"Bergman has been round the block and is a cagey old pro. I was glad to get him out of there early.

"It shows I'm improving and believing in my ability a bit more. The pressure was on me, I'm getting a great following, and you've got to channel it and use it to your advantage."

Promoter Tommy Gilmour is keen to keep Hare busy as he knocks on the door and the next defence is already lined up for October 18 in Manchester, possibly against Hungarian opposition.

The quality and sheer brute force of this latest win is another clear indication that Hare is ready to mix it in top company. Typically modest, though, he said: "Some people might not think too much about it.

"I'll just keep my feet on the ground, although I think I will have a chance to mix with any of the big guys. I find it really difficult to call people out but I'd love to box for a Lonsdale Belt at some time."

Dewsbury's Mally McIver beat veteran journeyman Nigel Senior on the undercard, despite having a point docked by Micky Vann for hitting behind the head.

l Dale Robinson has had his fight licence renewed by the British Board of Boxing Control after a concern over his annual medical.